 "Govt initiates discussion on Apprentices Bill in Lok Sabha")
Tomar said the government has introduced the Bill as amendments were required in the existing law, the Apprentices Act 1961. He explained the Bill seeks to facilitate imparting of skills and, hence, it is important for the youth.
"We all know that there is an urgent need to increase skills in the country. Expectations have increased from the new government. The (existing) Apprentices Act has many provisions that obstruct imparting of skills," Tomar noted.
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However, Congress leaders Kharge and Kodikunnil Suresh demanded that the Bill be referred to a standing committee.
Kharge said: "I have written a letter on August 8 stating that this Bill should be referred to the standing committee because this Bill is not important, urgent as also there are a number inconsistencies in the Bill."
When his demands were not met, Kharge alleged the government was 'bulldozing' the opposition. "If everything is bulldozed like this, then why should there be this Parliament? There should not be any Parliament. You do not want to discuss and you also do not want to take it to the standing committee."
To this, Naidu asked Kharge not to use such words. "You (Kharge) are frequently using such words. Where is the question of bulldozing?"
Naidu said the government was ready for discussions. "There is larger public interest in terms of the Bill and that is why the government has brought it to the lower house," he said.
The amendment Bill seeks to drop a provision in the law for arrest of employers for not adhering to the provisions. It also proposes to allow companies to add new trades under the Act without the Centre's approval. Besides, it seeks to provide apprenticeship training to non-engineering graduate and diploma holders, and allow employers to make their own policy for recruiting apprentices.
Discussions will continue on Tuesday.